Freemasons For Dummies
by Christopher Hodapp
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Book Summary Information
Author: Christopher HodappEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-09-30
ISBN: 0764597965
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: For Dummies
Book Reviews of Freemasons For Dummies
Book Review: The primer on Freemasonry you've been looking for
Summary: 5 Stars
Before getting into the nuts and bolts of my review of Freemasonry For Dummies, honesty compels me to disclose that the author, Worshipful Brother Chris Hodapp (read the book to get the skinny on the Worshipful Brother part), is a friend and Masonic brother whom it has been my great fortune to know for several years. Those of us in the Indiana Masonic community have long been informed and entertained via articles he has had published in the Indiana Freemason and by his musings on Hiram's Forum, an internet discussion board that he moderates for the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The stars were surely in their proper alignment when the For Dummies publishers contacted Chris about writing this book. Freemasons For Dummies is a book that sorely needed to be written and Chris was the perfect choice to write it. I'm delighted not only for Chris, but also for our fraternity and the many thousands of new readers who will be exposed to his enormous talent as a result of reading this book.
Pick any topic addressed in Freemasons For Dummies-Masonic history, philosophy, symbolism, ritual, et. al. A trip to your local library will reveal dozens of tomes on every aspect of Freemasonry and its appendant bodies. Open almost any of the books and you will discover that much of it is written in language that in comparison would make the deed to your house read like a trash novel you might take along to the beach to pass the time while you catch a few rays. You will also find that there is no one book that adequately dissects all the basics of Freemasonry. The sad result is that there are a lot of Freemasons who know virtually nothing about the history of their ancient fraternity save what precious little they may have picked up in their lodgerooms over the years. Most non-Masons are either ignorant of Freemasonry altogether or awash in a sea of misconceptions and outright lies even if they have family members and friends who are Masons.
In Freemasons For Dummies, Chris Hodapp tells the fascinating story of Freemasonry using plain language and his unique wit to keep your attention, but don't let it fool you for a moment. This book was impeccably researched and Hodapp shows that he knows his stuff. Obviously, the format of the For Dummies series precludes the presentation of an exhaustive history and no one would purchase this book with the expectation of finding one. Hodapp has done a masterful job of condensing the history of Freemasonry into one chapter and he hits every mark as the story unfolds.
As you progress through the book, you will be introduced to the philosophy of Freemasonry, Masonic symbolism, the inner workings of a lodge, and get a virtual peek into a lodgeroom while the degrees of Freemasonry are being conferred. Much of what has heretofore been considered secret is revealed to the reader while the real secrets of Freemasonry remain unscathed. You will learn about several of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry such as the York Rite (including the Knights Templar), Scottish Rite (32nd degree Masons), and The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (better known as that fun-loving group, the Shriners), and many more. Perhaps most importantly, you will see many of the popular conspiracy theories, half-truths, and lies bandied about by anti-Masons systematically debunked.
If all that isn't enough, in Chapter 14, Hodapp climbs up on his soapbox and delivers some spot-on social commentary that addresses the relevance of Freemasonry in the 21st Century. I promise you it is the equal of anything you will read anywhere in any publication. This chapter alone justifies the price of the book. It is here that Hodapp really shines and displays the eloquence that I believe will ultimately transform him from the new kid on the block to a place among the elite of Masonic writers. Chapter 15 confronts head-on many of the issues modern Freemasonry is faced with as it tries to carve out its niche in today's society and will be of particular interest to Freemasons.
Freemasons For Dummies is a primer for Masons new and old as well as for prospective Masons. It merits a place on the bookshelf of every Mason no matter how well-read he might be. As master of my lodge, I intend to make it required reading for all of our new initiates. For those non-Masons who just want to learn more about that group of men known as the Freemasons, this book is without equal. Nowhere else will you find a more concise, easy to read, or informative treatise on the subject of Freemasonry. Chris Hodapp has written with intelligence, style, and a sense of humor that successfully demystifies Freemasonry and makes Freemasons For Dummies an easy read.
Summary of Freemasons For Dummies
Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally best-selling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. Find out what goes on in a Masonic meeting. You'll understand the true purposes of Masonic "secrecy" and philosophy, meet famous Masons throughout history, and discover related organizations like the Knights Templar, the Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Shriners. Explore the controversies and conspiracy theories that swirl around this organization at the center of Dan Brown's novel The Lost Symbol, and discover the changes coming to the Craft.Freemasonry Books
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